Yesterday I met up with Rhiannon of Garb-Oh Vintage and we visited a variety of vintage clothing shops downtown, including our friend Christine’s shop, Living Threads. I hadn’t been in in a few days, and I was in for a treat! I not only found a pair of pants (a treasure in themselves!) but I also found this killer dress…

Yes, yes, those are hibiscus flowers, palm trees and airplanes! I was jumping up and down in Christine’s shop over it. Yeah, I do things like that. And then I got smacked with another shocker…it’s 80s! 80s! SHWA!? I knew that the 1980s took many cues from then 1940s (ahem, shoulder pads and peplums, anyone?) but I never knew there were any pieces this convincing! And of course, because it was 80s, it was a fraction of the price of that a 1940s piece similar would be.

It also has a darling little bustle in the back…it isn’t too visible here in the picture, but it’s there!

And the best part? It didn’t cost me a single red cent. Christine is always interested in doing trade so I got this, the pants, and Patrick a shirt with some credit I had racked up in her shop. Yep, I’m pretty much a happy camper.

12 comments on “Palm Trees and Airplanes”

Love the dress!
Would love to see a pic of the pants too! I’m looking at expanding my pant’s collection because they are great for work, especially in winter (which it is here now as I live in Australia) so examples of great vintage pants are always great for inspiration!

You’re right, it does look like a 1940’s and that peplum on the bot-bot finishes it off nicely…I haven’t ever seen an 1980’s re-do look so convincingly 40’s either. BTW look at your nails, they are so beautiful and long… I never noticed them before, lucky girl!
xx

I adore that dress! The tropical floral pattern instantly gives it a summery, relaxed vibe, yet the classic B&W colour palette makes it look like the kind of elegant piece you could wear absolutely all year round.

Bahaha, love it! I have a few *very* convincing 80s does 40s dresses myself… but then my fav 40s dresses are the ones that the 80s ripped off (I call them 40s does 80s, which is not actually a thing….but i say it all the time anyways)

looking fabulous as always! *muah* wish I could’ve come down for the gingham party tomorrow. but workworkwork needs to be done:(